Complete Guide to Anyang's Three Major Museums

Anyang, one of China's eight ancient capitals, is not only famous for the Yin Ruins but also boasts three significant museums: the Yin Ruins Museum, the Chinese Character Museum, and the Anyang Museum. Each museum presents the historical origins of Anyang from different perspectives, making them indispensable for a comprehensive understanding of this ancient city. 🔸Chinese Character Museum: A national first-class museum themed around Chinese characters. From the discovery of the first oracle bone in Anyang to the formation and evolution of Chinese characters, it offers a panoramic view of the long history of Chinese writing. 🕑Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday - Xuanwen Hall: 9:00-20:00, Huiwen Hall and Bowen Hall: 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. ⭐️Visiting Tips: It’s best to book in advance during winter and summer vacations. Xuanwen Hall and Huiwen Hall are free, Bowen Hall tickets cost 45 RMB. 🔸Anyang Museum: A national first-class museum that vividly condenses 3,300 years of rich history and the profound heritage left by successive dynasties on this land. 🕑Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 09:00–17:00, Friday to Sunday 09:00–18:00. Open year-round. ⭐️Visiting Tips: Free admission with no reservation required. 🔸Yin Ruins Museum: A major thematic museum showcasing precious artifacts unearthed from the Yin Ruins, providing a direct window into the late Shang culture. It is also part of the Yin Ruins scenic area. 🕑Opening Hours: Daytime: 8:30-17:30, Nighttime: 17:30-20:30. ⭐️Visiting Tips: Daytime tickets cost 80 RMB, nighttime tickets 40 RMB. During holiday travel peaks, visitor flow may be limited; the night sessions are less crowded. 👉Recommended Itineraries: 1. One-day tour: The Chinese Character Museum and Anyang Museum are close to each other and can be visited together in the morning, followed by the Yin Ruins site and Yin Ruins Museum in the afternoon. 2. Two-day tour: Day 1: Morning city walk in Anyang’s old town, afternoon visit to the Chinese Character Museum and Anyang Museum. Day 2: Yin Ruins site and Yin Ruins Museum. ⭐️Travel Tips: 1. The content in all three museums is very rich; renting an audio guide is recommended. 2. The popular oracle bone script coffee and oracle bone script noodles are available at all three museums. For coffee, it’s best not to drink it at the Yin Ruins Museum; the other two museums are less crowded and have no queues. Oracle bone script noodles can only be eaten on-site at the Yin Ruins Museum; the other two only sell packaged food. 3. The Yin Ruins Museum and Chinese Character Museum have many interactive experience areas, so allow extra time if visiting with children.